North Korea fires projectile into eastern waters a day after firing 3 short-range missiles

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea says North Korea has fired a projectile into waters off its eastern coast a day after launching three short-range missiles in the same area.

The South's Defense Ministry says the firing occurred Sunday afternoon. It did not say whether it was a missile or artillery.

North Korea routinely test-launches short-range missiles.

The launches come during a period of tentative diplomacy aimed at easing tension on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. responded to the previous day's launches by saying threats or provocations would only further deepen North Korea's international isolation, while South Korea urged the North to take responsible actions.

Earlier this year, North Korea threatened to attack South Korea and the U.S. to protest annual joint military drills and U.N. sanctions imposed after its February nuclear test.